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Response to COVID-19 - Bell County Information Updates

Bell County is operating a COVID-19 phone bank to help answer questions within the community.  The number for the phone bank is 254-933-5203.  The phone bank will be staffed from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.  Calls received after hours, weekends and holidays will be answered by 2-1-1.



Emergency Orders related to COVID-19

Bell County Directive #8  (EN ESPAÑOL) - Effective immediately and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2020. 

Bell County COVID Dashboard

Business Face Coverings - Signage Template

Click Here for the Application For Outdoor Gathering

WARNING from Food and Drug Administration - FDA warns consumers of risk of methanol contamination in certain hand sanitizers.



The Governors' Coronavirus Resources and Response website contains the most current information.  In addition, the website “Open Texas” has been updated that includes guidance on re-opening businesses and other facilities.


 


Bell County/Bell County Public Health District  Press Conferences, Documents and News Releases



FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions 

For Information on Opening the State of Texas, visit the Texas Department of Health and Human Services website.

To Review an Updated List of COVID-19 Cases visit the Bell County Public Health District website.

Seniors age 60 and older impacted by the COVID-19 stay in place order are eligible for meals.  Click Here for more information.

For information on loans for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, visit the Small Business Administration website.




County Office Updates


District Courts, County Courts at Law and Justice of the Peace Courts

A COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary was signed by Judge Gordon G. Adams on May 21, 2020.  In this COVID-19 Operating Plan, the Courts of Bell County include the District Courts, the Courts at Law, and the Justice of the Peace Courts.  The Bell County District Courts also include the Child Abuse and Neglect Courts and the IV-D Child Support Court.    Click Here to view the Operating Plan.


The County Court at Law No. 1 has signed an Administrative Order updating Temporary Changes in Court Proceedings Regarding Probate, Guardianship and Civil Matters.  Click Here to view the Administrative Order.



County Clerk

Per the COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Bell County Judiciary:

  • When individuals attempt to enter the Bell County Justice Center, security staff will use an infrared thermometer to determine the temperature of the individual.  Individuals whose temperature equals or exceeds 99.6°F will be refused admittance to the court building.  The use of infrared thermometers to determine the temperature of individuals entering the other court buildings will be determined by the security staff for each of the respective courts.
  • All individuals entering the court building will be required to wear face coverings at all times.  Individuals will be encouraged to bring cloth face coverings with them, but if the individual does not have a cloth face covering, a disposable face mask will be provided, if supplies are available to the county.

In keeping with local, state and federal Disaster Declarations, the Bell County Clerk’s Office will continue to utilize the Continuity of Operations Plan put in place in March.  Here is a link to our Continuity of Operations Plan:   Continuity of Operations Plan

The Bell County Clerk’s Office will still be operating by answering phones and emails, processing e-files for judicial cases, e-recording for property records, electronic registration of birth and death records, and all mail, fax and email search requests.

While we realize  there will be exceptions, every attempt to limit face to face transactions will be made. Certain transactions will be processed by appointment only. These appointments will be restricted to only the party or parties involved. We ask that you please do not bring in children. If you are sick, recently exposed to anyone who is sick or show signs of being sick, please do not attempt to make a physical appearance in our office.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding to protect the employees and their families.



Tax Assessor-Collector

In the interest of public health, we have provided the following alternative options in lieu of face-to-face transactions in the Bell County Tax Office.

Click Here for online and by-mail instructions on common Tax Office transactions.

Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions.

In an effort to reduce the need for in-person transactions, Governor Abbott issued a statement on March 16, 2020, granting a temporary extension to obtain initial registration, renewal of registration, vehicle titling, and renewal of a permanent disabled parking placard. Governor Abbott also granted a temporary extension for an individual with an expired 30-day temporary permit to obtain another permit or Texas registration. This temporary waiver is in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed.

You may still go online to www.txdmv.gov and renew your registration online.

What this means is your registration is still due, but you have more time to get it renewed without worrying about getting a ticket for expired registration. When the Governor and TxDMV give the “All Clear”, you will have 60 days from that point to complete your renewals without penalties.

Belton, Fort Hood, Killeen and Temple offices are currently open by appointment only.  Click Here to go to the Bell County Tax Assessor-Collectors Webpage to make an appointment.




Fire Marshal

Due to the recent Bell County COVID19 Action Plan upgrade to Level 3 and the recent CDC and TDSHS modified guidelines surrounding the COVID19 pandemic, the Bell County Fire Marshal's Office will be suspending ALL inspections and public education activities until further notice.   Click Here to view the updated operations plan. 

The following activities have not been suspended and will continue:

  • Fire investigations
  • Plan reviews
  • Investigation of complaints


The Bell County Fire Marshal's Office strives to ensure the safety of our citizens, visitors, and employees is met through effective education and enforcement.  Our daily operations may be modified at any time depending on further information released by the CDC, TDSHS and Bell County Officials.

We ask for your continued patience and apologize for any incurred in convenience.